Gorilla Trekking: Uganda or Rwanda – Which is better?

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Overview

Rwanda offers the slickest operation out of all our gorilla destinations. ‘The Land of a Thousand Hills’ has undergone a quite remarkable revolution since the atrocities committed in the genocide of 1994. Today it is one of Africa’s safest countries, with an excellent tourist infrastructure that includes efficient transport links and a selection of high-end boutique lodges.

There is just one place where you can see gorillas here: Volcanoes National Park, located on Rwanda’s northwest border, which forms part of a contiguous habitat with Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and the DRC’s Virunga National Park.

There are 12 habituated gorilla groups living in Volcanoes. Nearby accommodation options like Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge ensure travellers can revel in eco-luxury in their chosen locale. The road network in Volcanoes means that you may be able to drive to the start of a trailhead, cutting down on the trekking time required to access your assigned gorilla group for the day.

Accessibility Across Rwanda and Uganda

Gorillas are wild animals, which means they’re constantly moving throughout their natural habitats. This means that the exact length and difficulty of your trek can never be guranteed, but you will have a better chance of a shorter, easier trek in Rwanda than Uganda.

Rwanda is the best option for those with mobility issues, as the terrain of Volcanoes is less steep and the vegetation less dense than what is found in Uganda.

Tracking gorillas is a more difficult prospect in Uganda than in Rwanda. The steep terrain and dense vegetation of both Bwindi and Mgahinga often makes for a more arduous trek than what can be had south of the border. However, for some, the prospect of being driven to a trailhead in Rwanda and finding the gorillas just an hour’s walk away just doesn’t cut it. In Uganda you will have a greater chance of a truly adventurous time in the wilderness, sometimes trekking for up to eight hours in search of your assigned gorilla group. When you eventually see the gorillas, the experience will be more rewarding.

Comparing Rwanda and Uganda Costs

We’ve already shared that permit prices in Rwanda are more expensive than those in Uganda and the same can be said of the safari itself. Using a shorter safari as an example, you’d be looking at around £6,300 for six days Uganda vs £9,375 for 5 days in Rwanda (note all costs are per person).

If you’re looking for a longer, more luxurious safari then 12 days will set you back around £32,000 in Rwanda and £19,000 in Uganda.

This higher price isn't just a result of extending the time you spend with gorillas but will typically include staying at some of the most iconic and best loved lodges and private helicopter transfers.

Comparing the Rwanda and Uganda Experience

Rwanda

Visitors to Volcanoes in Rwanda can pay their respects at the grave of Dian Fossey, the famed primatologist who lived here for many years studying the region’s gorillas. Her final resting place can be found a couple of hours’ hike from the park headquarters in Kinigi.

The Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project is also found here, an organisation supported by NWS that tends to injured and orphaned gorillas found throughout the Virunga Mountains. By speaking to one of our destination specialists, you can arrange a dinner with these dedicated ‘Gorilla Doctors’ during your time in Rwanda – a truly inspirational evening.

Uganda

Uganda is more of a complete wildlife safari destination when comparing against Rwanda. Whereas mountain gorillas are Rwanda’s number one tourist attraction, Uganda has an array of wildlife-rich protected areas that attract travellers seeking a more well-rounded African safari.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is hugely popular thanks to its profusion of big game, including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. The park is also home to the stunning Kyambura Gorge, a rift in the Earth’s crust filled with dense forest where habituated chimpanzees can be seen. Chimps also feature in the forests of Kibale, while Murchison Falls National Park is a popular spot for river cruises and sightings of the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork. Lake Mburo National Park is another of Uganda’s various big game destinations, boasting healthy populations of zebra and giraffe.

For those wishing to head off the beaten track, Kidepo in the far north of the country is known for its clashes between lion and buffalo, and the pastoralist Karamojong people who make their home here. In the south, those travelling to Mgahinga have the opportunity to track golden monkeys as wFor those wishing to head off the beaten track, Kidepo in the far north of the country is known for its clashes between lion and buffalo, and the pastoralist Karamojong people who make their home here. In the south, those travelling to Mgahinga have the opportunity to track golden monkeys as well as gorillas. These are just a few examples of Uganda’s myriad attractions for the safari-goer.

Our Recommendations

If you’re looking to make your mountain gorilla safari the most luxurious experience possible, Rwanda is undoubtedly the destination for you. Uganda, meanwhile, is tailored to the more adventurous among you, and offers a host of other wildlife to encounter.

It’s also worth remembering that gorillas can be seen in other African countries including the Central African Republic and Republic of Congo.

Wherever you choose to track mountain gorillas, you are sure to have a remarkable experience in the company of these great apes and do get in contact with us below to have a further conversation about starting your adventure to see these magnificent animals in the wild.